THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

Why do we memorize God’s word? Jesus memorized scripture and He also invites us to this practice for the purpose of renewing our minds and transforming our lives. Memorizing scripture helps us know who God is and His will for us, see the world through His eyes, fight temptation, live in obedience, share the Gospel message and enjoy a hidden life with Christ.

Phillipians 2:3-4

“In humility value others above yourselves, looking not to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.”

Choose to spend a few minutes each day reciting the verse above, allowing its truth to shape your thoughts and heart. Write it out. Put it on your bathroom mirror, your fridge or car dashboard.

personal reflection & small group materials

Anchor Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5

This verse warns us that we will not see the truth about others or love them well unless we pay attention to what is happening in our own hearts.

‘Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbour, “Let me take the speck out of your eye," while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour’s eye.'

Small Group Intro Week 3

Reflection and Small Group Questions

Use the lectio divina practice to reflect upon the anchor scripture. What words or ideas stood out to you? Why?

When this passage talks about “judging,” what does that mean?

Read Matt. 18:15-20 and Jesus’s command to judge in John 7:24. Isn’t Jesus asking believers to judge the action of others? How does this work in light of our Matthew 7 passage?

How does the way that God examines people’s lives differ from the way that people are able to. Consider 1 Samuel 16:7.

As we think about all of these ideas about judging together, what types of character does God want from his people?

For you personally, what attitude, idea, or practice can you apply from this passage to help you to “become like Jesus” in your own life?

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

This week, consider adopting the practice of self-reflection and assessment to become more like Jesus.

Reflect on the last 12-24 hours.

• Ask the Spirit to reveal actions or attitudes which did not honor God.

• Consider if you need to forgive anyone.

• Repent and ask God to reveal the truth about yourself.

• Pray for forgiveness.

• Resolve to offer forgiveness to someone who offended you and seek amends.